Diphenhydramine-Ibuprofen

What Is Diphenhydramine-Ibuprofen?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which can aid in the treatment of occasional sleep problems (insomnia).

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen is a combination medicine used to treat occasional insomnia associated with minor aches and pains.

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen is not for use in treating sleeplessness without pain, or sleep problems that occur often.

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

heart disease, high blood pressure;

a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;

a breathing problem, such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis;

liver or kidney disease;

glaucoma;

enlarged prostate or problems with urination; or

if you drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day.

This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby. Taking ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects and prolonged labor and delivery. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.

Diphenhydramine-Ibuprofen Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

drowsiness;

day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling;

upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;

dry mouth, nose, or throat;

blurred vision;

mild itching or rash; or

ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs while you are taking diphenhydramine and ibuprofen.

Avoid taking ibuprofen if you are taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack. Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, cough, allergy, or other sleep medicine. Antihistamines and NSAIDs are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or ibuprofen (or similar NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, ketoprofen, and others).

Ask your doctor before taking diphenhydramine and ibuprofen if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use diphenhydramine and ibuprofen if you are also using any of the following drugs:

a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

a diuretic or "water pill"; or

diphenhydramine (Benadryl) used on the skin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with diphenhydramine and ibuprofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Diphenhydramine-Ibuprofen Dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Do not take this medicine for longer than 10 days without your doctor's advice.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Since this medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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